“ENGLAND fans were left stunned after spotting a Premier League legend on the Albania bench. The Three Lions take on the Albanian national team in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier at Wembley, which marks their first match under new manager Thomas Tuchel. 2 Manchester City legend Pablo Zabaleta was spotted in Albania’s bench Credit:”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
The Three Lions take on the Albanian national team in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier at Wembley, which marks their first match under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
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Manchester City legend Pablo Zabaleta was spotted in Albania’s benchCredit: Reuters
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Zabaleta is Albania’s assistant manager in the match against EnglandCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd during the national anthems the camera panned to the visitors’ bench, where former Arsenal and Manchester City ace Sylvinho is manager.
However, it was another familiar Man City figure who really caught the viewers’ eyes.
That was none other than the Citizens’ legendary right-back Pablo Zabaleta.
Zabaleta, 40, joined Albania in 2023 alongside Sylvinho and helped them reach Euro 2024.
But England fans were still surprised to see the ex-Argentina international as an assistant boss for the Euro minnows.
One supporter tweeted: “Nice to see Pablo Zabaleta.”
Another commented: “Albania vs. England is on. Pablo Zabaleta is Albania’s assistant coach. I just found out. Random fact of the day.”
A third wrote: “Zabaleta is the Albanian assistant manager. Your learn something new.”
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This fan said: “PABLO ZABALETA IS ON THE COACHING STAFF OF ALBANIA?!!?!? I know who I’m rooting for.”
And that one gushed: “Was that Pablo Zabaleta I just saw?”
Zabaleta amassed 333 appearances with Man City where he won two Premier League titles, two League Cup trophies and the FA Cup.
He left the club after a nine-year stint at the Etihad in 2017.